Todd "Grumpy Bear" Bertuzzi hasn't exactly been a primo pickup for the Detroit Red Wings thus far.In just 8 games with the club, Bertuzzi had a modest 2 goals and 2 assists, as he was recovering from back surgery. Before the playoffs, Bertuzzi suffered a minor concussion and battled through more back pain.
So, is he going to be ready soon?
Bertuzzi didn't play in Thursday's Game 1, which Detroit won 4-1, or in the regular-season finale because of a concussion and a neck injury. "He's been cleared medically," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. "Now, he has to get cleared by our therapy people as far as being ready to play.
"If he's ready to go, he'll be in."
Bertuzzi skated briefly on his own Thursday and took part in an optional practice Friday. "It felt pretty good," he said. "We'll see how it feels tomorrow after another hard skate."
If Todd does return, he'll need to be a lot better than he's been in past playoffs.
In 24 career playoff games, Bertuzzi has just 6 goals and 8 assists. More importantly, Bertuzzi has been undisciplined, taking 82 minutes in penalties, and displaying his usual disdain for backchecking.
